Thinking about Getting a Dog? Consider this about dogs…

Getting a dog as a pet is an exciting experience. Adding a playful, happy member to the family can be quite enjoyable, if done correctly. Since pets are a lifetime commitment that require extensive care and investment, it is necessary to do adequate research beforehand. The first thing you should decide is whether you actually have the time and money to commit to a pet. Once you’ve made it past this step, the next is typically what breed to choose.

There are several reasons as to why a mutt may be the best option for your situation.

Mutts come in all shapes and sizes. Just go to your local shelter and check out the variety of dogs. You can pick whatever physical traits you desire in a dog. Long or short hair, light or dark coloring, floppy or straight ears – the list is endless.

They also come in a variety of temperaments. Speak with the handlers and caretakers at an adoption facility to help choose a dog that suits your lifestyle. The caretakers will know each dog’s behavior and temperament very well, as they interact with them on a daily basis, and can recommend accordingly.

It makes economic sense to adopt a mutt. Purebreds can cost upwards of a thousand dollars or more, and that’s just for the pooch itself. You will also have to purchase the first round of vaccinations, and pay to have the dog spayed or neutered. Most adoption facilities will provide all of these services, including the adoption fee, for a mere fraction of what a purebred would cost (generally no more than $100-$200).

You could save a life. Perhaps the most rewarding part of adopting a mutt is the prospect of saving an animal’s life. Most shelters are overcrowded, resorting to euthanasia and making room for the pooches that are brought in daily. By adopting, you can save a life and make a best friend in the process. What could be better than that?